Top 5 Ways to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Here are 5 ways we can reduce the carbon footprint we produce and help fight against global warming.

As we burn fossil fuels such as petroleum gas and coal, carbon dioxide and various other gases get released into our environment. Heat is trapped close to the earth because of these emissions which causes what is referred to as the 'greenhouse effect'. As you probably know, greenhouse gasses can lead to significant environmental issues. The rising temperature of the Earth leads to extreme storms, higher sea levels and other issues that result from a changing climate. By working together to conserve energy, driving less and creating less waste, we will be able to reduce the carbon footprint we produce and help fight against global warming. Below are some steps to do this.

Determine the Size of your Carbon Footprint

Your carbon footprint is how much carbon you are responsible for releasing into our atmosphere due to your daily habits. Your carbon footprint becomes bigger as you burn more fossil fuels. For instance, a person who rides their bike to and from work each day will have a smaller footprint than a person who drives. You can use a free carbon footprint calculator to determine your own footprint. Have in mind that spending habits, driving habits, diet as well as other factors will be taken into account for calculating your share of carbon that is released into the environment.

Use Less AC and Heat

Caulking or installing weather stripping around windows and doors and adding insulation to your walls can reduce your costs of heating and cooling by over 25 percent since it reduces the energy you require to heat or cool your house. While sleeping or gone for the day, turn down the AC or heat. Keep moderate temperatures at all times and install a thermostat that is programmable and set it a couple degrees lower in the wintertime and higher in the summer. This can actually reduce the carbon dioxide contribution each year by 2000 pounds.

Transportation

Around 28 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States are due to transportation. You can decrease your own personal impact by driving less, carpooling, biking, walking, using public transportation instead of cars or buying a vehicle that is more efficient. Drive slower since fuel economy becomes substantially worse when driving above 60 miles per hour. Avoid traveling by air if possible or buy carbon offsets for your flights. Braking and accelerating excessively also reduces efficiency. Don't carry excessive weight in your vehicle trunk, ensure your car is inspected and tuned up regularly and keep your tires inflated. Needless to say, this will also have a positive impact on your health.

Plant a Tree

Trees are not only meant to provide paper for you and companies like ThePensters where you can get your business case study written for you. They also help the environment. Dig and plant a tree. Trees give off oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Just one tree can absorb around a ton of carbon dioxide in its lifetime. In future, such policies and practices will be crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emission and stopping global climate change.

Using Renewable Energy

In the last few decades, renewables were in the main focus of every national and state government. World's brightest minds search for ways to generate electricity through solar and wind power. Such natural production of energy has major benefits for our environment. As we go forward traditional sources such as coal and oil will slowly become obsolete which is another reason why we should turn to renewable energy.

Obtain a Report Card through the Utility Company

Most international utility agencies will give you a free home energy audit which can help you identify areas in your home that might not be energy efficient. Additionally, they might even offer you a rebate program that will help with paying for energy-efficient upgrades.